Is there any better way to spend a sunny spring or summer day than by exploring some of the many beautiful waterfalls in Massachusetts? We’ve got some great ones tucked away in the woods that require some exploration to find. If you don’t feel like breaking out the hiking poles and trail mix, no worries! We’ve got some gorgeous cascades that can be reached easily with little to no hiking. Here’s how to visit some of the best easy-access waterfalls in Massachusetts:

1. Doane’s Falls: Doane Hill Road, Royalston, MA 01331

Doane's Falls, Royalston, MA 01331, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Eric Hill
Looking for a lot of waterfall bang with very little hiking buck? Look no further! Doane's Falls is a series of cascades set in Lawrence Brook. It's accessed via a quick 100-foot walk from a parking area on Doane Hill Road in Royalston. The cascade tumbles over several tiers, and there's plenty of space to sit and admire the serenity of the location. It's one of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in Massachusetts with waterfalls, so bring the whole family!

2. Bear’s Den Falls: Neilson Road, New Salem MA

Neilson Road, Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA, USA
Google/Jeremy Russell
Looking for "hikes with waterfalls near me?" Finding Bear's Den Falls is quite easy! Leave your car on the right edge of Neilson Road in New Salem and simply stroll up the trail entrance. It's a quick 0.25-mile hike to the falls, where you're sure to be dazzled. According to legend, this is where Chief Metacomet plotted to raid nearby colonial settlements. When it comes to waterfall hikes in Massachusetts, it doesn't get much easier than this.

3. Pawtucket Falls: Lowell, MA 01854

Pawtucket Falls, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Emw
This dramatic waterfall in Massachusetts can be reached with almost zero effort! You can view it from a bridge over the Merrimack River in Lowell. The waters here drop more than 30 feet in a little under a mile. We love a good trail in Massachusetts as much as anyone, but sometimes it's nice to see a low-effort waterfall, too!

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4. Sanderson Brook Falls: 648 US-20, Chester, MA 01011

Sanderson Brook Waterfall, 648 US-20, Chester, MA 01011, USA
AllTrails/Bryan Farr
Up for a little bit more walking than most of the waterfalls on this list? Head to Sanderson Brook Falls. It's a 1.9-mile hike, so it is slightly more difficult than most of the others on this list, but trust us, this glorious woodland cascade is worth it! Part of the trail is paved and almost all of it is pretty flat. This is a waterfall hike in Massachusetts that's perfect for those looking to stretch their legs a little, but not get too tired. Who doesn't love a waterfall along a babbling brook?

5. Chicopee Falls: Chicopee, MA 01020

Chicopee Falls, Chicopee, MA 01020, USA
Wikimedia Commons/LymannSchool
This waterfall was artificially created by a dam, but it's still beautiful. You can get a great view of it from Bridge Street in Chicopee. The dam is surrounded by greenery, so it's especially beautiful in the spring and fall. It's a great spot for an evening stroll!

6. The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant: 69 State Rd E, Westminster, MA 01473

The 1761 Old Mill, 69 State Rd E, Westminster, MA 01473, USA
Facebook/Old Mill Restaurant
If you're looking for "easy-access waterfalls near me," head to the Old Mill in Westminster. As the name suggests, the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant started out as an 18th-century mill dam. Today, it’s a homey and cozy restaurant with spectacular outdoor dining and a waterfall view that's so gorgeous it may even distract you from your meal. We recommend the sticky pecan rolls! Delicious food and a beautiful waterfall, what could be better?

7. Gunn Brook Falls: Sunderland, MA 01375

Gunn Brook, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
Google/MCH
Gunn Brook Falls is located at the UMass Mt. Toby Forest in Sunderland. You can reach it via a 0.2-mile hike that will reward you with scenery that deserves to be on a postcard. You'll see over 35 feet of falls cascading down into a stream.

 

We fully recommend checking out all of these stunning waterfalls in Massachusetts. How many have you been to? Share your experiences and hiking tips with us in the comments! If you do want to go hiking in Massachusetts, check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List and download the AllTrails+ app.

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Lisa Sammons | March 31, 2022

What are some great kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts?

There are several super-short trails there that are perfect for kids or those who aren't big on hiking for an entire day. We have plenty of shorter trails in Massachusetts that are worth exploring! Here are a few:

  • We love the Pine Hills in Plymouth.
  • Chapel Brook Falls Trail in Ashfield is only a half-mile long.
  • Fort Hill Trail in Eastham is one mile and is a wonderful coastal hike.

What are some of the best parks in Massachusetts?

There are so many great parks in Massachusetts that it's understandable some will fall through the cracks. Purgatory Chasm may have a creepy name, but it's one of the most beautiful places in the Bay State.

Are there any swimming holes in Massachusetts?

Don't just settle for a swimming hole: go for a swimming hole with a waterfall! Our mountainous terrain means there are plenty of great swimming holes worth checking out in the summer.

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